News and Congratulations
Congratulations to KL2 Scholar, Samuel Bruce, MD, and his team at Weill Cornell Medicine on making a significant discovery regarding the link between brain hemorrhages and dementia. Their study, published in the journal, Stroke, reveals that intracranial hemorrhages, or "brain bleeds," double the risk of developing dementia later in life. This research underscores the importance of regular cognitive screening for individuals who have experienced such hemorrhages, as it could influence future care decisions. This impactful study not only extends previous findings but also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures in managing brain health.
Dr. Bruce's academic and clinical training demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to medical research. He earned his medical degree at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2018, followed by a neurology residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell in 2022, and a fellowship in vascular neurology in 2023. That same year, he was appointed a CTSC KL2 Career Development Scholar, focusing his research on measuring markers of blood-brain barrier impairment and inflammation in cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation.
In retrospect, Dr. Bruce credits the KL2 program stating:
“The KL2 has been crucial to my development as a clinician-scientist. The combination of structured mentorship, protected research time, and collaborative environment has been a lifeline at a critical stage in my career, and I truly feel that the program's support has set me up for future success.”
As a KL2 Scholar, Dr. Bruce worked alongside several mentors, including primary mentor, Dr. Hooman Kamel, MD, Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and secondary mentors, Dr. Costantino Iadecola, MD, Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Dr. Robert F. Spiera at Hospital for Special Surgery.
The CTSC Career Development KL2 Scholar Program supports junior faculty, senior residents, and fellows by providing salary support, protected time, advanced degree training, and practical skills necessary to conduct interdisciplinary clinical translational investigation within a team research environment.